When Emberly returns home from Atlanta she thought things would go back to how they were. But things aren't how it was when she left. This past summer changed everyone including her and they all had something to hide. When these secrets are revealed...
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
2 MONTHS AGO
EMBERLY MOVED AROUND HER LISA'S apartment, grabbing things from the coffee table and double-checking the pockets of her duffle bag. She didn't want to admit how much it stung to be leaving—especially when Jaya looked at her like that. But this trip to Vegas had been planned for weeks. Coop had invited everyone out to catch her performance, and Emberly didn't want to miss it.
"I still can't believe you're leaving," Jaya said, sitting cross-legged on the couch, her voice soft but laced with playful frustration. "Who's gonna keep me from losing my mind around here?"
"I'll be gone for, like, three days," Emberly said with a small smile, zipping up her bag. "You're acting like I'm moving across the country."
"It feels like you are." Jaya crossed her arms and leaned back into the couch cushions. "Everything's more boring when you're not around."
From the kitchen, Lisa chuckled as she stirred something on the stove. "You'll survive, Jaya. Emberly deserves a little fun after working all summer."
"She's gonna forget all about me in Vegas," Jaya muttered, looking away. "Come back with a new best friend. Or worse... fall in love or something."
Emberly laughed under her breath and walked over, dropping down onto the couch beside her. "You're being dramatic."
"I know." Jaya glanced at her, smiling reluctantly. "Still true, though."
Emberly nudged her shoulder. "I'll text. I'll FaceTime. I'll send pics. You're not getting rid of me that easy."
Jaya finally looked her in the eyes, that usual spark dimmed just a little. "Promise?"
"Promise," Emberly said, sealing it with a pinky. "Besides, I don't think I could handle Vegas without hearing your voice in my ear keeping me from doing something dumb."
Jaya softened, then quickly tried to cover it up with sarcasm. "Well, don't get too wild. I like my Emberly with a little dignity left."
From the kitchen, Lisa called, "Let the girl have a little fun, Jaya! She's young. Let her breathe!"
"I'm just saying," Jaya replied, turning toward the kitchen, "no crazy stuff. No falling in love with chocolate-skin tour boys and forgetting about us back here."
Lisa gave her a look. "That's oddly specific."
Jaya nodded. "You've been acting all dreamy lately when Spencer calls. Don't think I didn't notice."
"I'm not having this conversation right now," Emberly said with a fake groan, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Y'all trying to make me miss my flight."
